Nearly a Quarter of US Adults Use AI for Emotional Support

A recent survey indicates that nearly a quarter of American adults and 13% of adolescents have used artificial intelligence for socioemotional support or mental health advice, according to the Association for Psychological Science. This trend reflects a shift from AI's original purpose as a tool for efficiency to a source of intimate companionship. The article explores whether machines can genuinely provide empathy, raising questions about the psychological and societal implications of relying on AI for emotional support. The findings highlight a growing intersection between technology and mental health, with potential impacts on how individuals seek and perceive empathy.

Global Impact

The growing use of AI for socioemotional support has significant social and technological implications. Socially, it may alter how people form and maintain relationships, potentially reducing reliance on human interaction for empathy.